One of the best things about mineral collecting is that so many specimens are so amazing it is hard to believe that they are real and entirely natural. And yet, when it comes to buying minerals, a surprising number of specimens actually aren’t! The good news is that it is easy to become knowledgeable and begin to protect yourself. The lesser news is that there are always tricks out there. So, if you are going to buy mineral specimens, especially from anyone other than dealers you trust, become an expert!

I thought of various titles for this post. “How to Not Kill Your Minerals” sounded a bit harsh, even if that is what this is about and people do it every day. “How Looking After Your Minerals is Like Looking After Your Dog” came close, but seemed a bit long and I really wanted to make sure it was obvious what this post was about. It’s important! Many of your mineral specimens will simply not survive unless you know about this…

So many great mineral reads, so little time… but you’re stranded on a desert island… you have no way of recharging your music player so really how helpful is the game where we all come up with our ten favourite albums? On the other hand, on the island you have a safe place for books and the sun comes up every day so you have light to read. This is my list.

There is nothing cooler or more exhilarating than being in an amazing place in the outdoors or underground, reaching into a freshly opened pocket, and pulling out an awesome crystal specimen that no human eyes have ever seen before. Welcome to mineral collecting at its best…

The single most fundamental skill you require, if you want to challenge yourself to become a mineral collector, is the skill to identify minerals. The basics are easy, and once you learn them you never lose them. This is the key to knowing when a mineral specimen is worthy of your collection…

None of us wants to think about the inevitable, let alone plan for it. (“What happens once the last Lord of the Rings/Hobbit movie has been made and there are no more?” No, I mean the other inevitable. We can’t live forever.) Planning for what happens to our mineral collections is a tough and controversial subject. I’m thrilled that Steve Chamberlain, Chairman of the Rochester Mineralogical Symposium, has agreed to share his excellent editorial on Disposing of Your Mineral Collection here. (And check out this Millerite!)

Once you’re ready to move on from the Beginners page, here’s where to go next!